US Vice President JD Vance has said American leaders must make decisions based on US national interests, even when those interests do not fully align with Israel’s position on the Iran deal.
Speaking in podcast interviews, Vance said Israel remains an important US ally, but Washington cannot always shape its foreign policy only around the priorities of its partners.
He said criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s policies should not automatically be equated with antisemitism.
“It’s just not the case that every criticism of Bibi Netanyahu’s policy decisions leads to antisemitism,” Vance said during an interview with BlazeTV.
He added that while criticism of the Israeli government can sometimes be expressed in an antisemitic way, not every disagreement with Netanyahu or Israeli policy should be labeled as such.
US, Israeli interests not always same
Vance said President Donald Trump has disagreements with Netanyahu over how to bring the Iran war to an end.
He described Israel as a strong American partner, similar to the United Kingdom or France, but stressed that allies do not always have identical interests.
“They’re a good partner in the same way that the United Kingdom or France are good partners — that doesn’t mean that we’re always going to have aligned interests,” Vance said.
The US vice president said American leaders have a responsibility to protect the interests of their own country first. “Fundamentally, we’re worried about what’s in the best interest of the American people,” Vance said.
He added that when the goals of Israel’s political system differ from the goals of the American people, Trump is willing to pursue America’s interests.
Israel unhappy with Iran deal
Vance acknowledged that the US-Iran agreement is not popular in Israel and that many Israelis are concerned about its terms. He said large segments of Israel’s political system and population are sensitive about the deal, but added that some concerns may be based on misinformation.
Vance said he believes the agreement will benefit the entire region and the world, including Israel.
Speaking to The New York Times’ Ross Douthat, Vance responded to criticism from hardline Israeli figures, including Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich. He questioned what alternative plan opponents of the Iran deal were offering.
“You’re a country of 9 million people,” Vance said. “You can’t just kill your way out of solving every single national security problem that you have.”
Iran deal aimed at preventing wider war
The United States and Iran have crafted a new memorandum of understanding aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and addressing Iran’s nuclear program.
Critics argue that the arrangement resembles the Obama-era Iran nuclear deal by offering Tehran economic concessions before permanent restrictions are secured.
Supporters say the agreement is the most practical way to prevent a wider Middle East war and avoid a major shock to the global economy.
Vance defends Trump administration’s approach
Vance said the Trump administration has already achieved major gains during the conflict and negotiations.
He said American missile systems helped protect Israeli lives in recent months, while the US had also damaged Iran’s nuclear program and pushed Tehran to offer concessions that would have seemed impossible six months ago.
“So let us play this negotiation out,” Vance said.
Asked what he would say to hawkish Republican figures such as Senator Ted Cruz, who may view the Iran agreement as a “big sellout,” Vance said critics must offer realistic alternatives.
“We’re in the business of solving real problems, not solving abstract problems,” he said.
Vance said if critics believe the alternative is sending 200,000 US ground troops into Tehran to install Reza Pahlavi as Iran’s leader, they should say so clearly.
“I don’t appreciate criticism without alternatives,” he added.
Vance also referred to conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated in September 2025. He said Kirk had been concerned about Israeli influence in American politics, while also strongly opposing antisemitism.
“Charlie was very worried about Israeli influence in American politics. He also really disliked antisemitism,” Vance said.
Washington signals independent foreign policy
Vance’s remarks come as the Trump administration continues defending the Iran agreement despite criticism from pro-Israel factions and some Republican voices.
His comments signal that Washington is prepared to maintain its partnership with Israel while also making clear that US foreign policy decisions will be guided primarily by American national interest.
